John Deere X320

[briansaumure]

My John Deere L130 transaxle has bit the dust after 6.5 years/550hours. I am looking to replace the machine with a JD X320. The x320 uses a Tuff Torq K58 transaxle. Is the tranny user serviceable...I think I see a filler/drain plug on it??? Can someone confirm if the fluid can be changed?
I cut about 2.5acres on mixed terrain..90% flat 10% hilly...I also plan to add JD's powered collection system(7cu.ft). I also have a roller at approx 500lbs, an aerator, and a JD P10 for dirt hauling etc. My research indicates that the X320 should be meet my needs...any comments welcome.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:

How much of an upgrade is the X320 over the L130?

 

[jinman]

Brian, I'm not sure about the X320 transaxle, but if you used a L130 with all those implements and it held up for 6-1/2 years and 550 hours, I'd say you did well.:thumbsup: Good luck with the X3xx purchase.

 

[jcmseven]

I would say the X 360, though a bit more pricey is worth the additional money. It has power steering, hydraulic lift and other niceties. I believe one can only get the 48" deck with no 54" option, but the mower is so much more efficient with the PS that it would make up for any lost time. It is a light duty mowing machine, but will mow for many seasons and it has a Kawasaki engine and solid frame and components. I can highly recommend it.

John M

 

[briansaumure]

looking to upgrade the tranny portion of my old L130...the fact that it is not serviceable did contribute to it's failure. All other aspects of the L130 more than met my needs...engine, belts, pulleys etc AOK
Just got some feedback from a JD mechanic indicating that the X320 is not serviceable while the X360 is...he had both machines in his shop. Subsequently, I see that both use the same K58 transaxle according to JD specs on their website.
Did JD decide to save few bucks on the X320 by not buying the tranny from ToughTorq with the optional service kit??? Really "tough" to get answers to this...
Might have to consider a X360 as I want/need the ability to service the tranny.

 

[jenkinsph]

Just got back from the Deere dealer and tried out a X324 they had there. Handles much better than the L130 I presently have. I was under the impression that you can rebuild the K46 with parts from Tuff Torque.

My thoughts about the X324, turning was good enough to trim around trees as well as needed. The foot operated deck is easy and simple, paying for hydraulics in this case is a waste of money. The forward and reverse pedals were very responsive, particularly when compared to the LA series reverse pedal. My focus was specifically the turning radius, reverse pedal arrangement and trying the K58 tranny as these are the only real problems I have experienced with the L130. In these specific areas the X320 was a vast improvement over the L130.

Still looking to upgrade my mower and will try out mowers from the X324 thru the X749. I don't need more than an X3xx series for my lawn in town but might need more than this for the landscape bizz.

 

[stevem5215]

Tuff Torque has rebuild kits for the trannys. There's some posts on here that show pics and phone numbers and names at Tuff Torq. They appear to care about their products more so than people might think. Your L130 is probably repairable as well. And yes, that tranny can be serviced also. You just need to remove it from the machine to do it.

Steve

 

[briansaumure]

I will probably attempt a repair of the tranny with parts from Tuff Torque...I will crack it open and see what's up and go from there. thanks
Anyone have any experience shipping into Canada from Tuff Torque...TT lists DHL, Fedex and UPS as their shippers....concerned about high admin fees for customs/brokerage

 

[jcmseven]

I am all about being frugal, but my concern is that attempting to repair a tranny on a 500+ hour 100 series is likely the beginning of the end. Those machines were intended by John Deere to offer a 500-750 hour service interval. It is true that many folks have gotten more hours out of them, but I worry repairing the tranny will cost more then expected, take a lot of time, and then result in still getting a new machine. I can say without doubt it is worth it when upgrading to go with the 360 over the 320. Much nicer machine, though they look the same. Going into the 500 series does not get a buyer too much, except bigger tires, differential lock and a couple more HP over the 360. That is an excellent little mowing machine that can do you other tasks also.

John M

 

[briansaumure]

I pulled the trigger on a X360 with delivery this Monday or Tuesday. I still plan to repair the L130, if the parts/delivery costs are reasonable...a good winter project?
The primary reasons I chose the X360 over the X320:
a) tranny user serviceable
b) slightly faster forward speed
c) Hydralic lift for current/future attachments
d) power steering

thanks for the feedback!!!!